From music festivals to art exhibitions and gastronomic celebrations, this beautiful region in eastern France offers a multitude of events not to be missed. Let’s analyze together the highlights that will enliven the region throughout the year.
Winter and spring festivities in Franche-Comté
The year 2024 is off to a great start with celebrations that warm hearts despite the cold. In February, wine lovers gather in Ruffey-sur-Seille for the Percée du Vin Jaune . This unmissable event celebrates the famous nectar of Franche-Comté during the first weekend of the month. Connoisseurs and the curious can taste this unique wine, the fruit of ancestral know-how.
Also in February, romantics meet in Saint-Amour for the Love Film Festival . This cinematic event, coinciding with Valentine’s Day, offers a selection of films celebrating love in all its forms. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover touching works in a warm atmosphere.
Spring promises to be festive with the Grand Carnival of Besançon , which takes place between March and April. The streets of the capital of Franche-Comté come alive with bright colors and lively music, joyfully marking the end of winter. Young and old parade in original costumes, creating an unforgettable festive atmosphere.
In May, the Foire Comtoise draws crowds to Besançon. This annual trade fair is a major economic and cultural event for the region. Visitors discover local products, crafts, and technological innovations in a friendly atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, just as you can do by discovering the must-see attractions of Corrèze .
Summer in Franche-Comté: an explosion of festivals and events
With the arrival of warmer weather, Franche-Comté comes alive with a multitude of outdoor events. The Rencontres et Racines Festival in Audincourt, in June, celebrates cultural diversity through music, art, and gastronomy. It’s a special time to exchange and discover traditions from around the world.
July and August see the blossoming of numerous summer events:
- Les Nuits de Joux at the Château de Joux: a theatre festival in an extraordinary historical setting
- Vital’été in Besançon: free sports activities for all
- A summer in my city : creative and fun workshops across Besançon
- The Eurockéennes de Belfort : an internationally renowned music festival
- The Straw Festival in Métabief: a celebration of pop-rock music
The citadel of Besançon offers nighttime theatrical walks , offering a unique experience combining history and live entertainment. These enchanting evenings recall the magical atmosphere found in the most.
The Haras National de Besançon hosts the Pagnozoo equestrian cabaret , a show combining equestrian prowess and artistic performances. These magical evenings transport spectators to a world where man and horse are one.
For nature and photography enthusiasts, the exhibition “Traces, the Wild Animal in Franche-Comté” offers a unique perspective on local wildlife. This event sparks fascinating debates about the coexistence of humans and wild nature, a topic that resonates particularly strongly in this verdant region.
Traditions and gastronomy at the heart of Franche-Comté festivities
Franche-Comté is a region where traditions are cherished and celebrated throughout the year. Horse-drawn carriage rides in the Chailluz forest offer an immersion in the region’s unspoiled nature, recalling the tranquility one can feel in some of the Provençal havens of peace, renowned for being among the least stressful in France .
Franche-Comté’s gastronomy is showcased at numerous events. Cheese and wine lovers will find what they’re looking for at the tastings held throughout the year. Comté, Morbier, and Mont d’Or cheeses are served alongside Jura wines, offering a remarkable delight for the taste buds.
Summer is also an opportunity to discover the history of Besançon through original guided tours. The “Let yourself be told a loop in the city” tour allows you to examine the meander of the Doubs which surrounds the historic center, offering a unique perspective on the urban planning and architecture of the city.
These Franche-Comté festivities, rich in flavors and discoveries, remind us of the importance of preserving and celebrating regional heritage. Just like some of the little-known Vendée villages that are among the most beautiful in France , Franche-Comté is full of hidden treasures just waiting to be visited.
Franche-Comté offers a varied and dynamic festive calendar for 2024, blending traditions and culture in the East of France.
- Winter festivities : Percée du vin jaune in Ruffey-sur-Seille and Love Film Festival in Saint-Amour in February.
- Lively spring : grand Besançon Carnival (March-April) and Comtoise Fair in May.
- Vibrant summer : music festivals like the Eurockéennes de Belfort and cultural events throughout the region.
- Art and gastronomy : art exhibitions, equestrian shows and celebrations of local products throughout the year.
